Madeline Vita Baptiste

Madline Baptiste, most affectionately known as Vita, was born on September 22, 1928 in Hope St. Andrews, Grenada. She is survived by two sisters-Ivy Bourne and Emelda Davis (Tunky), two brothers-Lennard and Elisius Charles; the proud mother of three children David Charles, Vicklyn Grant and Hudson Charles. Two adopted children-Avis Bourne and Helen Baptiste; Son-in-law-Durval Grant and Daughters-in-law-Judith and Franca Charles; Grandchildren-Davis Joseph, Cheryl, Selma and Stephen Charles; Pearline, Kevin, and Brandon Gillaume; Janelle Hicks, Tiffany Dorelien and Ellaine Pender; Garvyn, Dylon, Hansel and Symba Charles; Simone Alexis; Kevin Wells. Numerous Great Grandchildren and one Great, Great, Grandchild; plus many families and friends who loved her very much. Who was Madline (Vita)? Vita was a mother, a loving wife (to Alphaeus Bapriste who predeceased her) and a happy, loving, friendly, supportive person. She was accomplished and graceful a human being as God has seen fit to create. Comfortable in her own skin, mom's nature allowed her to open up her arm to the world. If you love somebody, well... she did too. It was just that simple. She welcomed, hugged and engaged people in conversation and before they had a full sense of it all, she had them talking about and praising the Lord. She was a great joy, and a blessing to everyone she interacted with. Her loving approach to life and the love she had for Christ was a constant driving force in her life. Vita was an active member of Marqui's Pentecostal Church, faithfully witnessing for the Lord and taking care of the ill, some even expired in her arms while caring for them. Vita's was very talented and enjoyed cooking and baking, sewing, making hats and handbags (mind you this is not needle and thread but weaving straw). At one point she even dabbled in hair dressing. As a Jack of many trades, she devotedly worked to maintain her family. Her children recalled her as a woman of fairness and strength; who caused them to choose their battles, making sure they were in the right in any altercation. Vicklyn, remembered as a child making excuses for not wanting to attend church by claiming she had school work. Vita's response was, "Oh yea! The church has lights, so you will be doing it there." Vita portrayed an excellent example of Godliness for her children by leading a God fearing life. As the years passed, and her memory and health were failing, she still loved to be around people, laugh and enjoy singing about the Lord. She may have forgotten many people, places and things but never her God. When asked about the word for the day, she would say, "Stand fast and see the Salvation of the Lord." I know it was her faith in God that helped her through. There is a favorite song called "I Believe." The premise of the song is that the person who passes on, never really leaves you, they are just not here in physical form. The song says, "I believe there are more than angels watching over me," We know she is up there now with the angels watching over all of her loved ones. I found this poem and would like to share it with you. A Poem of Life Life is but a stopping place a pause in what's to be A resting place along the road to sweet eternity. We all have different journeys, different paths along the way. We all were meant to learn some things, but never meant to stay. Our destination is a place far greater than we know For some the journeys quicker, for some the journeys slow. And when the journey finally ends, We'll claim a great reward, and find an everlasting peace together with the Lord. To Mom we say this, "We love you dearly and will cherish you always. You have given us so much and asked for so little in return. Thank you for always being there for us, for teaching us, listening to us, helping and forgiving us, loving us, and always, always paving the way for us." We do not mourn your passing but celebrate your life of sharing and caring, giving, unity, forgiveness and love for one another. We are filled with hope and encouragement that one day we will meet again. If mom was physically here right now, she would say, "Don't cry for me," but refer to her favorite quote, "Stand fast and see the Salvation of the Lord." We Love you Mammy!!!

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